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It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to basic survival tips. We often scroll past this kind of advice, thinking it’ll never apply to us. But when the moment strikes, knowing what to do can make all the difference.
Whether you’re helping a friend or a stranger, those first few minutes really count. A little knowledge can save lives or at least buy enough time until help arrives. And no, you don’t have to be a doctor to be helpful.
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To better understand how to handle everyday emergencies, we spoke with Dr. Alka Pradhan. She’s a general physician with over 30 years of experience running a clinic in Mumbai. Over the years, she’s seen it all, from fainting episodes to accidental burns. Her advice is practical, straightforward, and could help anyone in a tight situation. “Basic awareness goes a long way,” she said. “Especially when everyone else is panicking.”
“If someone faints, the first thing to check is breathing and pulse,” she explained. If there’s no breathing, start CPR immediately if you’ve been trained. These days, basic CPR and first aid classes are easily available. “It’s something I recommend for everyone, students, office workers, anyone.” You don’t need fancy equipment to be useful in a crisis. Just confidence and a bit of know-how.
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Let’s talk about nosebleeds—something most of us get wrong. “Do not tilt the head back,” Dr. Pradhan said firmly. “Instead, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose.”
This stops blood from flowing into the throat, which can cause choking. It’s one of those small actions that’s surprisingly effective. And no, tissues stuffed up the nose won’t help here. Keep the pressure steady for 10 minutes.
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When it comes to strokes, Dr. Pradhan says the acronym FAST can be a lifesaver. That stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call for help. “A stroke doesn’t always look like the dramatic movie scenes,” she warned.
Sometimes the symptoms are subtle, but the damage can be huge. Every second really does count, so call emergency services right away. The faster the response, the better the recovery.
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If someone’s having a seizure, your first instinct might be to hold them down. Don’t. “Let the seizure pass naturally while keeping them safe from injury,” she advised.
Turn them gently onto their side and cushion their head. Don’t put anything in their mouth, it won’t help and could cause harm. Stay calm, and if the seizure lasts over five minutes, call for help. Most importantly, stay with them until it’s over.
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Burns are another common emergency, especially in the kitchen. “Run cool, not cold water over the burn for at least 10 minutes,” she said. Avoid ice, which can damage the skin further. Don’t pop blisters or apply random home remedies like toothpaste. “Just clean, cool water and gentle care,” she added. If it looks serious, head to a clinic or hospital.
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